Adventures take on a new dimension when exploring the wild side. People become excited to venture into the deep wilderness and uncover its secrets. Whether you’re embarking on a leisurely hike or an extended camping trip, it’s crucial to be equipped with the necessary survival skills, as one can’t predict when a dangerous situation may arise. Therefore, careful preparation and knowledge are needed to ensure your safety and well-being.
Survival skills are innate and somewhat based on instinct. However, it’s essential to learn some basic survival skills and tips when embarking on a thrilling adventure. I’ve included a few essential skills here to help you survive when you feel like you’re trapped.
Self-Protection Skills
Exploring wildlife includes the chance of coming into contact with actual wildlife. Therefore, the first skill that an enthusiast needs to possess is the ability to protect themselves from potentially dangerous animals. These encounters can pose significant life-threatening risks, so being prepared is key.
Ensure you have protective measures such as bear spray or firearms, like the glock 21 conversion ready at hand in the event of unexpected encounters with wild bears or predators. However, it’s crucial to use firearms as a last resort, only if there’s no other way for you to be saved and handled responsibly.
Don’t leave without this
Anything can happen while you’re on the road. So, BE PREPARED for it!
Get a TRAVEL FIRST AID KIT before you start your journey
Building Shelter
There is a chance of unexpected risks and changes of plans while embarking on a wildlife journey. Therefore, if you’re planning to spend the night, you should know how to build a proper, safe shelter for resting. It’s better to have your camp set up before nightfall, and you should have a basic understanding of how to set up a tent or a small makeshift shelter.
This can protect you from predatory wild animals and provide comfort. You should also know how to make use of naturally available materials to construct a basic lean-to shelter structure in case you don’t have a tent. Building a fire nearby can also help keep you warm and ward off potential threats.
Finding Food
One of the most crucial survival skills, connected to your instinct, is finding food. While you can pack a few nutritious foods prior to your journey, unexpected circumstances can push you to forage for sustenance in the wild. Therefore, it’s necessary to familiarize yourself with edible plants and wild berries native to the area you’re planning to explore.
You can also learn basic hunting and trapping techniques if required. Some common food sources include cattails, acorns, stinging nettles (boiled), tubers, weeds, rosehips, and other plantains. However, ensure that the plants or substances you consume are not allergic or toxic to you or your body.
📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out Family Friendly Wildlife Parks in Africa to Check Out in 2024
Navigation
It’s important to have proper navigation skills when venturing deep off the grid. Knowing how to navigate without the help of technological devices is a basic skill every wildlife enthusiast must possess. Whether you’re hiking along winding trails or trekking through dense forests, it’s crucial to know how to reach your destination or return to your original location safely.
Using a compass and a map together is a precise way to find your way back to camp, especially if you’re planning extended day hikes. Additionally, you can use an analog wristwatch, the sun, or natural landmarks to navigate back to your campsite.
Headlamp or Flashlight
If you’re planning to extend your expedition into the night, a reliable flashlight or headlamp becomes crucial. These tools are indispensable for navigating through darkness, setting up camp, and performing tasks after sunset. Opt for lightweight, durable options with long battery life, and always carry spare batteries or a power bank to ensure you’re never left in the dark.
Raingear and Warm Layers
The same goes for weather in the wilderness, which can be unpredictable. You might encounter situations where there’s a sudden change in temperature and rain showers. These common occurrences are part of traveling to deep, rainy forests or mountainsides. It is considered essential to pack a pair of rain gear, such as a waterproof jacket and pants.
Also, make sure to include insulated layers to keep you warm and comfortable, while giving you protection from the cold and harsh environment. Even in warmer climates, temperatures can drop significantly at night, so having adequate clothing layers is crucial for maintaining body heat and temperature.
Conclusion
Exploring wildlife offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure and discovery, but it also demands a certain level of preparedness and proficiency in survival skills. By equipping yourself with essential knowledge and tools, including self-protection skills, shelter-building techniques, navigation abilities, and reliable gear, you can embark on your outdoor excursions with confidence and peace of mind.
Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission for any purchases made through the links. Your trust is important to us, and we ensure that all products or services we recommend meet or exceed our editorial standards.
Last Updated on April 16, 2024
The post Top Survival Skills Needed When Exploring Wildlife appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.
------------------------------------------
By: Waisale Naqiolevu
Title: Top Survival Skills Needed When Exploring Wildlife
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/top-survival-skills-needed-when-exploring-wildlife/
Published Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:02:17 +0000
